his work to tirelessly strengthen breton's relations with the holy city. he is remembered with great respect and affection. the pope's message of working for the common good is something that spoke to the whole country. >> the cardinals recognize that this was a momentous decision for pope benedict. in two weeks' time, he will no longer be pope. another pope will be slected. >> when pope benedict took office in 2005, he was 78 years old. he was the oldest pontiff elected in three centuries. our religious correspondent has this report. >> benedict became the church's leader, already an elderly and frail man. he was seen as a caretaker, but nothing prepared roman catholics for his decision to step down. >> this has taken the world by surprise. >> catholics attending services were shocked by the news. >> you are joking. the pope? oh, my god. >> i'm so shocked. he has been such a short time with us. >> joseph was born into a catholic family in germany and was forced into the hitler youth. he was brought up as a theologian. he became more conservative in the 19